The memory of a fish…

… is actually a lot longer than we give them credit for. Myth has it that they have a memory of just 3 seconds. Where this myth stems from is not really known (probably someone who felt guilty about keeping their goldfish in a tiny bowl) – but research shows that in actual fact, fish can remember things for at least several months!

Dr Kevin Warburton studied fish for more than three decades and has found plenty of evidence to show that fish are in fact quite sophisticated creatures. He said ““Fish can remember prey types for months. They can learn to avoid predators after being attacked once and they retain this memory for several months. And carp that have been caught by fishers avoid hooks for at least a year.”

In an article in the Daily Mail, it claims that scientists at St Andrews University found that many fishes … can learn their way around mazes, can learn to recognise other fish, and can remember which individuals are better competitors. And it states that, according to research at Plymouth University, goldfish have a memory span of up to three months - and can even tell the time. They trained goldfish to nudge a lever to get food. When the lever was adjusted so it would only work during one hour each day, the goldfish adapted, learning only to press the lever around the right time!

So there you have it!

Coincidentally – eating fish can also help your memory. According to TopMemoryTechniques.com, “Both fish oil supplements and fatty fish, like salmon, contain memory and brain-power boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Fish has been considered brain food for many years. An investigative study has demonstrated, however, that in order to get the most effective results, it is better to consume the fish and not just take a supplement.”

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